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Refusing to let the firefighters pay, she and two workers paid from their own pockets. But some emergency responders called her boss to complain, saying they had made her feel obligated.

'You opened a whole bees' nest,' her boss reportedly told Levia.

When she returned the next day, she was fired. Her co-workers who also chipped in for the bill did not lose their jobs.

Denial: She had asked her bosses if they donated food, but was told they did not. The company says it did not fire her for paying for the food - but because she swore at a superior, which she denies

Thankful: Allegany Fire Media Officer Gordon Scott said he was shocked to hear Levia had been fired

Her boss claimed she had sworn at a superior, but Levia, who has worked for the company for eight years and is putting herself through nursing school, said that's not true.

'I did say this is "freaking" ridiculous,' she admitted. 'But it was not implied to anybody.'

Tom Meyers, the owner of the Olean McDonald's said the company was an 'ardent supporter' of local first responders.

'We
are aware that certain allegations have been made concerning the
reasons for Heather Levia’s termination,' he said. 'Out of respect for
Ms. Levia and her privacy, it would not be appropriate to comment in
detail on the reasons she is no longer employed by our organization.

'Still,
it should be pointed out that the allegations are absolutely not true.
We would never penalize an employee for showing appropriate gratitude
for the work of our firefighters.'

Generous: Levia is a single mother to twin girls but said she has already had other job offers

Allegany firefighters said they were saddened to hear Levia had been fired.

'It was a shock,' said Allegany Fire Media Officer Gordon Scott. 'It was a sad affair because a gentleman lost a home [in the fire]. And it's even worse because we know now that this gal apparently lost her job because of it.'

Levia, mother to two young twin girls, said she is putting the ordeal behind her and has already received several job offers after her story gained local press.

She added: 'I wish the communities
would change and help each other out... And if losing my job is going to
speak out to the community, then that’s what it’s going to do.'